When Bryan Woo, a 24‑year‑old right‑handed pitcher for the Seattle Mariners received the call‑up, the Pacific Northwest felt a surge of optimism for the upcoming ALCS. In contrast, Toronto fans processed the bitter reality that their everyday shortstop, Bo Bichette, would be missing from the roster, a decision announced by Ross Atkins, the Blue Jays’ general manager, on October 15, 2023.
How the postseason roster rules shape the ALCS
Major League Baseball, headquartered in New York City and overseen by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr., mandates a 26‑player limit with a maximum of 13 pitchers for each team. The limit forces clubs to make tough calls on healthy veterans versus emerging talent. For the 2023 ALCS, the Mariners fielded a balanced 13‑pitcher staff, while the Blue Jays opted for 12 pitchers, leaving an extra slot for a bench player.
Mariners’ surprise addition: Bryan Woo
Woo’s 2023 campaign read like a textbook case of a breakout rookie. In 15 starts he posted a 6‑2 record, a 2.18 ERA, and struck out 89 batters over 82.2 innings while walking just 15. Opponents slashed his batting average to .192, and he became the first Mariners pitcher since Felix Hernández in 2009 to finish a season with an ERA below 2.20 on 80-plus innings.
“Bryan has been a revelation for us this season, and his poise in high‑pressure situations makes him an essential addition to our postseason roster,” said Scott Servais, the Mariners’ manager, during the press conference at T‑Mobile Park in Seattle.
The decision came after Woo delivered 5.1 scoreless innings in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Houston Astros on October 11, 2023, a performance that convinced the front office he could handle the spotlight.
Blue Jays’ painful loss: Bo Bichette out
Bichette’s season was a masterclass in consistency: .282 average, 23 home runs, 82 RBIs, 35 doubles, and an .820 OPS across 156 games. Yet a right‑index finger fracture on September 29, 2023—sustained when he was hit by a pitch from Tampa Bay’s Corey Kluber—ended his postseason dreams.
“This was an excruciatingly difficult decision, but after thorough consultation with our medical staff and Bo himself, we determined he would not be at full functionality for the ALCS. His health is our paramount concern,” explained Ross Atkins at the same news conference.
Team physician Dr. Gary Sisto estimated a 4‑6 week recovery, far beyond the series timeline that begins on October 16, 2023, at 8:07 PM Eastern.
Strategic implications for the series
For Seattle, Woo adds a fresh arm capable of eating innings on short rest, giving manager Servais flexibility to swing between a five‑man rotation and a bullpen‑by‑committee approach. Analysts like Jon Heyman note that Woo’s low walk rate (1.6 BB/9) could be pivotal in tight, low‑scoring games expected at the pitcher‑friendly T‑Mobile Park.
Toronto, meanwhile, must rely on veteran shortstop Isiah Kiner‑Falefa and utility man Alejandro Kirk to fill the defensive void, while leaning on outfielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to supply the middle‑of‑the‑order power that Bichette usually provides.
Historical context: When the clubs last reached the ALCS
The Mariners are making their first ALCS appearance since 2001, when they fell to the New York Yankees in five games after a historic run that culminated in a World Series showdown. The Blue Jays last saw this stage in 2016, losing a tight series to the Cleveland Indians after shortstop Troy Tulowitzki missed the games due to a blood‑clot scare.
Both franchises have tasted ultimate glory in the past—Seattle’s lone World Series berth in 2001 and Toronto’s back‑to‑back championships in 1992 and 1993—so the stakes feel oddly familiar for longtime fans.
Key facts
- ALCS start date: October 16, 2023, 8:07 PM ET at T‑Mobile Park, Seattle.
- Mariners roster: 13 pitchers, 13 position players; Blue Jays roster: 12 pitchers, 14 position players.
- Bryan Woo’s 2023 line: 6‑2, 2.18 ERA, 89 K, .192 opponent BA.
- Bo Bichette’s 2023 stats: .282 AVG, 23 HR, 82 RBI, .820 OPS.
- Injury timeline: fracture on Sept 29, X‑ray confirmed non‑displaced; recovery 4‑6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Mariners choose to add Bryan Woo instead of another veteran?
Woo’s 2.18 ERA and his ability to throw over 90 mph with excellent command made him a low‑risk, high‑reward option. The Mariners also needed a fresh arm after using all five starters in the ALDS, and Woo’s recent scoreless outing against Houston proved he could handle postseason pressure.
How will Bo Bichette’s absence affect the Blue Jays’ lineup?
Bichette’s left‑handed bat was a key catalyst in the middle of the order. Without him, Toronto will likely move Isiah Kiner‑Falefa into the shortstop spot and rely on Guerrero Jr. to provide the power. The void also forces the Blue Jays to adjust their in‑game strategies, especially against left‑handed relievers.
What does the ALCS schedule look like for both teams?
Game 1 kicks off on October 16 at 8:07 PM ET in Seattle, followed by Game 2 on October 17 at the same venue. Games 3‑5 shift to Toronto’s Rogers Centre on October 19‑21, with Games 6‑7, if needed, returning to Seattle on October 22‑23.
When was the last time a Mariners pitcher posted an ERA under 2.20 with at least 80 innings?
The feat hadn’t been achieved since Felix Hernández’s 2012 season, when he posted a 2.14 ERA over 215 innings. Woo’s 2.18 ERA over 82.2 innings places him in elite company for the franchise.
Could Bo Bichette return later in the series if his injury heals faster than expected?
Medical staff ruled the fracture non‑displaced with a 4‑6 week recovery window, making a mid‑series return highly unlikely. Even if healing accelerated, the risk of re‑injury would outweigh any short‑term gain.
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